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Durham County selected to participate in national initiative expanding opioid treatment in detention facilities

Post Date:05/09/2019 10:30 AM

Durham, N.C. (Thursday, May 9, 2019) --- Durham County has been selected to participate in a national program to expand medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in detention facilities across America.

“We look forward participating in this program where we will learn national best practices to expand the treatment for opioid use disorder,” said Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead.

Because tens of thousands of people with opioid use disorder pass through the U.S. corrections system each year, Durham County will join 14 other jurisdictions to participate in the “Planning Initiative to Build Bridges Between Jail and Community-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.” Durham County will receive expert guidance on how to overcome barriers to providing opioid treatment and scholarships for five staff members to attend future training in Washington, D.C. Federal experts will work with Durham County Detention Center officials to create treatment guidelines, manage administration of the medications, and educate jail staff about addiction.

The program is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and Arnold Ventures, a national philanthropy headquartered in Houston, Texas.

“Sheriffs, Correctional Officers and jail administrators are key beneficiaries when treatment is provided in jails and continued in the community. Not only does this lessen the burden of drug-related crime, but it stops the revolving door of individuals with opioid use disorder that enter our jails every year and present a potential danger to law enforcement and themselves," Jon Adler, Bureau of Justice Assistance Director, said.

To learn more about the Planning Initiative to Build Bridges Between Jail and Community-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, visit the Arnold Ventures website.